Welcome to the new HARK website!
Helping at Risk Kids, Inc. (HARK) serves abused and neglected children, many of whom are identified through the Guardians ad Litem. HARK was formerly known as Guardian ad Litem Association (GALA) of Buncombe County. The name change allows us to (a) expand our mission beyond at-risk children currently in protective custody under the state’s social service system, and (b) remove confusion with the Guardians ad Litem who acts as the voice of the children in family court.
We have a vision that vulnerable children, including every abused and/or neglected child, will have the support they need to succeed and to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. We are an all-volunteer, non-profit organization (501(c)(3)).
Why do we need your help?
Guardians ad Litem already support those children in protective custody of the Buncombe County Department of Social Services (DSS). While the Guardians are present as court-appointed advocates, they have no access to financial or support resources the children need. Through various grants, fundraisers, and donations from caring individuals and organizations, Helping at Risk Kids (HARK) provides many resources for these children in order to help them live a more normal life.
Our expanded HARK mission reflects the increased demand for assistance for young adults in the county and beyond who age-out of DSS protection, and from the growing number of referrals from sources besides the state-mandated Guardians ad Litem who represent the children’s interests and act as their voice in family court.
children in foster care
in Buncombe County
Please donate now to help these vulnerable children
Your donation allows Helping at Risk Kids (HARK) of Buncombe County to provide the basic needs – baby supplies, school supplies, car seats, beds, warm clothing, shoes, as well as those extras – a camping experience, music lessons, a bicycle – that normalize a child’s life and build confidence and self-esteem. These are simple things that so many children in Buncombe County take for granted. Please help us provide for these innocent children.
